Help this artist overcome this tragedy.

The St. James Court Art Show is proud to support blossoming artist talent through annual scholarships. Over the years, thousands of dollars has been awarded to students.

But sometimes more is needed.

This is one of those times.

Kelci Bastin, a sculpture artist, was awarded two student scholarships ($2500 Susan Coleman Layman art scholarship and a $500 award from St. James Court) from the SJCAS competition in October 2016.

These scholarships would help her realize her dream to major in art at the University of Louisville.

Then tragedy struck. Her dream went up in flames ~ literally.

Just before Kelci was to graduate from Jeffersonville High School in April of 2017, her house burned to the ground.

Kelci, her older brother and their dogs were at home at the time, but thankfully got out safely.

But Kelci and her family lost everything.

The fire was a major setback for Kelci and her family, both emotionally and financially. Since the tragedy, Kelci’s mom has had to work nights and her step dad work days to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this meant the family could no longer afford UofL. Kelci has been unable to work, or even attend classes at a community college, because she’s had to take care of her little brother while her parents work.

Most people would give up.

But the same drive, determination and talent that Kelci used to turn her disability into an artistic outlet, saw her through this tragedy.

Disability?

You see, Kelci was born deaf.

Kelci uses her art as a means to communicate.

Our goal is to pay for at least her first two years of art education.

We ask for your generous support as we strive to ensure that Kelci receives the tools, education and experience to launch her career as an artist. She hopes to become a full-time sculptor, working on her own or with a creative company or individual.

Eventually my hope is to have a job creating art that I love and am happy with, and to be able to buy my own house with my earnings. ~ Kelci Bastin

Please help us support Kelci and her dream to become a professional artist by making a contribution to the GoFundMe campaign we’ve launched on her behalf.